Shift Happens with Litty Samuel

Getting laid off can knock the wind out of you. I’m joined by Melanie Ehrenkranz, the creator of Laid Off, to share real advice from hundreds of people navigating job loss and figuring out what’s next.

Somewhere along the way, the internet became the closest thing many of us have to a community. I talked with Hanna Horvath, financial planner who studies how people behave about why third spaces disappeared, how that changed our behavior, and what it means for the future of media and connection. It’s a conversation that made me rethink how we show up for audiences.

In this episode of Shift Happens, we dive into the world of social media burnout, the rise of Gen Z’s digital detox, and how the game is changing. I sit down with Michael Easter, author of The Comfort Crisis, to talk about the addictive power of algorithms, why we can’t seem to stop scrolling, and how the future of digital consumption is shifting right under our noses. From slot machines to social media, we explore how tech companies are shaping our habits and why real, authentic experiences are becoming more valuable than ever.

Tim Fullerton is the co-creator and host of Find Out, a new podcast that pulled in over 250,000 downloads in just seven episodes — without celebrity guests or media backing. In this episode, we dig into how he did it, what makes Find Out different from traditional media, and why he believes this show can evolve into a full-fledged media company. Can they do it?

Ryan Hashemi, former builder of Jubilee Media and founder of Snowball agency, shares his expertise on YouTube success. He discusses the common pitfalls brands face, like the myth that TikTok fame translates to business success. Hashemi emphasizes the importance of compelling thumbnails and a commitment to long-term content strategies. He also points out that dipping into YouTube without a solid plan can lead to failure, highlighting the necessity of authentic storytelling in the evolving creator economy.

Commerce has been one of the most reliable revenue drivers in digital media—but something is shifting. Dotdash Meredith, Hearst, and Food52 have all made major cuts to their commerce teams in recent months. And yet, the industry is still projected to grow. So what’s really going on? In this episode, I sit down with Nilla Ali, former EVP of Commerce at BuzzFeed and now co-founder of GAAN Creative, to unpack the real reasons behind the shake-up: AI disruption, Google algorithm changes, Amazon commission cuts, and the rise of creator-led conversion. It's the great commerce re-org!

Young men aren’t consuming media like they used to—so where did they go? Former Barstool CEO Erika Ayers Badan joins me to break down how Barstool kept its audience, why brands like GQ and Men’s Health lost them, and whether there’s still a chance to win them back—or if that opportunity has passed. Plus, the rise of creator-led content, Discord, and Jack Mac’s unexpected fame.

TikTok shuts down, comes back thanking Trump, and creators are left wondering if the algorithm is broken—or if this is the perfect time to jump back in. Meanwhile, Instagram’s Edits app proves Meta is still stuck in its copycat era, and creators everywhere are asking: What the hell is happening to social media? In this episode, Lia Haberman joins us to break down the chaos, explore how creators can adapt to this fractured landscape, and ask the big question: is this the end of social media as we know it—or just the beginning of something new?

Creators aren’t waiting for Hollywood anymore—they’re making their own shows and cementing their footprint. From building studios to launching their own production houses, they’re proving you don’t need the traditional system to succeed, or "make it." It might be also wise to keep an eye on this space as studios and networks shut down entire departments. Could these creators offer a lifeline for the bleak and dying industry of Hollywood?

With the resurgence of curated, personalized content and the popularity of newsletters on platforms like Substack, there’s never been a better moment to bring back the magic of DailyCandy. Audiences crave trusted, insider recommendations, and DailyCandy’s unique voice in style, food, and local finds would thrive in today’s creator-driven landscape. As consumers look for meaningful, curated discoveries instead of endless scrolling, a revival could seamlessly blend nostalgia with the fresh, personal touch today’s readers expect.